Five years ago today was the start of my chemotherapy journey.Five years ago today, we didn't know what the outcome would be. We were so afraid.Five years ago today, our hearts were broken into many pieces - some that can't be restored. Five years on, we celebrate all that we have achieved.

Five years ago today, my first round of chemotherapy treatments started.For the next nine months, I had six rounds of chemotherapy, four surgeries, five CT scans, eight platelet transfusions, five blood transfusions, one plasma transfusion, 51 nights in hospital and 33 weeks of weekly blood tests and line care.And then of course the infections, the vomits and the ambulance ride....But we got there!

​I'm still doing well. I'm feeling stronger and healthier. I'm determined and work hard at my therapies. I'm loving school.​(And, we know how incredibly lucky we are. We still remember many of the kids who shared the rooms and halls with us. Some of those children are no longer here. We'll never forget.)This photo was taken at my first birthday, just before my cancer was found:

In the very near future, we're going to have to replace some of Dexter's equipment. The biggest replacement will be a standing frame, costing about ten thousand dollars. We're going to have to upgrade his van and have it fitted out, for his wheelchair. We're going to be laying out some significant funds!Severe quadriplegic cerebral palsy is expensive.

So, next year, we will be doing some fundraisers.

If you're a business who would like to advertise on Dexter's website or his social media pages, in exchange for financial support (or the purchase of equipment, for tax purposes), we'd love to talk with you.When you need to fund raise, so you can provide the equipment a little boy needs, you're willing to try anything! (We won't officially start any fundraising until 2018.)

We can advertise businesses.We can use product placement in Dexter's photos. We are happy to talk, if you have ideas!

Mum had a fun morning today...She spent THREE hours trying to catch my wee and then had to help the pathology sister take my blood. She was holding me still, on the bed, making sure I didn't roll off, onto the floor. She was also making sure my sisters didn't destroy the place!But, in the end we got my blood test done and managed to catch a few millilitres of wee in time for my sisters to make it to their extra swim lesson!And - I lost my SEVENTH tooth! It's another one we can't find...​Never mind! Mum said the tooth fairy will still visit!

Have you heard about Zach Anner?He's cool! He's funny and he's clever. He also has cerebral palsy.(That sounds like me!)This is from his facebook page: Though many people have speculated as to the origins of Zach's disability he maintains that it is due to his overabundance of attractiveness, which can be seen shimmering out of his lazy eye. (That sounds like me!)He's written a book, which he titled: If At Birth You Don't Succeed...(Ok, we're working on the book bit...)

Straight up, we love him!We love that Zach is funny and witty and doesn't let his cerebral palsy stop him.

Zach shares a lot of videos on his you tube channel. One of his videos inspired us to ask people to come up with a challenge, for us.In that video, he sets out to buy a rainbow bagel. He has to use public transport and get to the one place that sells them.All. The. Way. Across. Town.​(Just getting into the lift takes a big chunk of his morning!)Oh, and Zach is in a powered wheelchair.​We want to be challenged to go somewhere, or do something, in our local area. But first, here's the video that inspired us: ​

What a champion!

So, we want a similar challenge.If you think you have a good idea for a challenge, let us know!We're happy to ditch the car and rely on public transport.We're happy to go anywhere within the Illawarra.We'll be using the wheelchair and can ask directions through Dexter's communication switch. If you can give us some challenges, we'll pick at least one challenge. We'll do our best to achieve it and we'll video our adventures, for you all.

Can you think of a challenge for us?If so, you can email it to us, comment here or write it on Dexter's facebook page. ​We can't wait to see what people come up with!We're a bit excited and a bit nervous, but we're always up for an adventure!(After you come up with a challenge, head over and check out more of Zach's vidoes.)

Sometimes, I just don't want to be in the same room as my sisters, especially when they want to watch the same movie over and over and over and over....! This afternoon, I started in the middle of the mat, in the middle of the lounge room.I tried to make my getaway to my room. I have my own stomach commando crawl. (Mum was in my doorway, taking the photo.)I nearly got away!I'm getting pretty fast now and they have to keep getting up to help me. They have to stop me from hitting my head on the walls and furniture. I'm loving my escapades!

This special needs parenting life is difficult. The divorce rate among special needs parents is higher than for other families. The divorce rate among children with cancer is high. Many parents who spent time with a baby in the NICU can't survive the worry and the strain.Life with me is difficult. It's very demanding, never-ending daily needs and, it's expensive. There is a lot of love, but they suffer regular heart aches. Mum and Dad fight and argue. But, even more, they talk. And, they listen.They trust each other and they stand tight together, helping each other through the tough times. And, every now and again, we send them off for some fun.Without any kids!Last night, Mum and Dad watched an ice-hockey game. Dad is a big fan. They loved it.

Today was a special day...It was my first school athletics carnival! I had so much fun.Thanks to my super awesome Thursday support teacher, Ms A, I got to participate in every activity! I did shot put, discus, javelin, the three-legged race, the relay race, egg and spoon and parachute! Mum helped me with the hurdles, but otherwise, Ms A did it all. You know what the best bit was? I came first in the 100 metres race! Ms A pushed and we ran super fast! I got lots of cheers. That was a fun day!

Mum took me to the carnival, so we didn't have to pull my wheelchair apart and put it under the bus. She was so happy, watching me join in all the activities. She was so proud, watching me and my support teacher running the races. And then, she had an amazingly heart-warming moment. Mum noticed that, when I was running my race, the crowd was cheering for me. She looked up and saw people, all along the carnival, calling my name and supporting me. She was so proud and so grateful. My school is awesome.

That afternoon, I was so chatty and just wanted to tell everyone all about it!I love sport carnivals!